Self-employment query

NorthernMonkey82

Not sure how to progress with this one and would welcome advice.

I took out a policy to cover disability and unemployment when getting a mortgage back in early 2009 and was then made redundant mid-way through the year and went self-employed.

At the time, I informed the company involved that I was going self-employed and would the cover still be suitable - I was informed that it was and would still cover me.

In light of the recent revelations of PPI and mis-selling, I decided to contact the company again to double check that fact and was told that the only way I would be covered if work was to to dry up would be to officially cease trading and inform the inland revenue of that fact. Basically, if work was to dry up for a six month period, I wouldn't be covered (obviously I'd seek alternative work but thats beside the point.)

Having finally managed to dig out the paperwork from some files I've now noticed an exclusion that says i'm not covered for temporarily ceasing trading - I hadn't checked that as I'd spoken to an advisor to clarify the situation and didn't look at the paperwork as I should have done.

Does that mean I'm not able to do anything to try and reclaim something against a policy that doesn't meet my needs and hasn't done for the past three years? The person I spoke to today said I would need to speak to the person who sold the policy if i was concerned about mis-selling, but at the time they sold me the policy it was suitable for my needs. It is also no longer possible for me to speak to the person involved.

Apologies if this is a bit long-winded and difficult to follow - any comments would be appreciated.